MEET OUR STAFF

REV. DR. A. GENE COBB - Lead Pastor (919-775-3288)

Since being appointed Lead Pastor in June 2009, my responsibilities include general oversight of the worship, administration, and disciple-making programs of the local church, as well as connecting St. Luke with the church beyond Sanford. I love the people of St. Luke and the passion we experience when we work together for the Lord. My favorite experiences are always when we worship, celebrate the sacraments, hear and respond to the joyful sound that “Jesus Saves,” and whenever we are privileged to spend time together growing in our relationships and becoming better disciples of Jesus Christ.

REV. WILLIAM E. SABISTON - Associate Pastor (919-475-4841)

I arrived in August 2015 as the Coordinator of Youth Ministries. During the Summer of 2016 I was licensed as a Licensed Local Pastor in the North Carolina Annual Conference, and now serve as an Associate Pastor at St. Luke while also attending Duke Divinity School. I assist the Lead Pastor in whatever is needed and also serve as the Coordinator of Youth Ministries to our wonderful youth here at St. Luke. My favorite part of my job at St. Luke is taking the youth to retreats, most especially Pilgrimage, and watching them worship God in all types of ways.

REV. JUDY DRYE - Minister of Visitation (919-545-6780)

I was appointed to St. Luke in 1997 and served as the Associate Pastor for 5 years. Not only was the congregation warm and easy to love, but they garnered my respect through their work and ministry in the Sanford community and throughout the world. When I returned to Sanford in 2013, it was with joy and anticipation that I also returned “home” to St. Luke. That is my testimony to the vitality, faithfulness and love of the St. Luke congregation. Since September 2014 I have been blessed to serve the congregation once again as Minister of Visitation.

KATHERINE HOLT - Children and Family Ministries (919-356-7285)

My journey at St. Luke began in August 2015 working for the After School Care Program. The following year, I joined the St. Luke Preschool staff, where I had the pleasure of teaching in the same classroom I called mine when enrolled in the preschool as a young child. In May 2018, I was blessed with the opportunity to begin serving as the Coordinator of Children and Family Ministries. My position provides me with a wonderful outlet to love, teach, and grow with God’s children and their families. I credit many of my favorite experiences to the inviting and faithful congregation, a committed staff, and gifted lay leadership. God has and continues to write His vision for these ministries at St. Luke and I am forever thankful He called me to follow His lead.

ELIAS BALLEW - Youth Ministries (252-578-1090)

I was brought on board in January 2019 as the Coordinator of Youth Ministries. My primary responsibility is to lead and connect the youth of St. Luke to the Lord and to the church community. I assist the Lead and Associate Pastor in worship and any capacity they may need. My favorite part of being at St. Luke is being able to worship all day on Sunday and watching the youth worship and grow in the grace of God.

LAURA ALVERSON - Publications and Communication (919-770-7768)

I began working at St. Luke in August 2001, shortly after my family moved to Sanford from Alabama. As church secretary, I prepare worship bulletins, newsletters and promotional flyers, along with lots of general record-keeping and list-keeping. I love working at St. Luke because of its wonderful, warm, caring members!

I grew up in Steele Street Methodist Church, was married at St. Luke United Methodist Church, and began as the Organist in January of 2013. I am also the Interim Choir Director now as well, which means I choose all service music for the Casey Chapel and Sanctuary services. I love working at my home church and being a part of such a loving congregation.

BEATRICE SMITH - Receptionist

I am a new hire at Saint Luke. I joined the staff on January 8th, 2019 as the Williams Lobby Receptionist for the evening shift. I provide a consistent, complaint, safe/secure and hospitable environment for those who phone or visit St. Luke Church during the week. As receptionist I answer and direct telephone calls, greet visitors, give directions to quest, oversee visitor sign in/out log book and passes, receive and direct packages, deliveries, and drop-offs for mission projects, assist the needy when visiting the Lobby while waiting on a member of the clergy for assistance, assist with the preparation of bulletins and other duties as needed. I love the warm, friendly and welcoming atmosphere here at St Luke. I am excited about my new job!

REBECCA LITTLE - Receptionist

As one of the new hires to St. Luke, as the morning Receptionist for the Williams Lobby, I have received a very warm welcome. Seeing the young faces come through the doors for school and greet them for their day is a perk of sitting at this desk. I appreciate the families and the processes that have been put in place to protect all of the body of St. Luke. My background includes an A.S. degree from the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale in Visual Communication; I've worked in corporate communications, data analysis, and in a political Representative's office. I enjoy meeting all that come through the Williams Lobby and hearing some of the wonderful stories.

CAROLYN LEE - After School Care Director (919-770-0607)

I began working at St. Luke United Methodist Church as a preschool teacher in 1993. In the fall of 2005, I took on the role of After School Director. Children are my passion and my love. Working at St Luke is like working with family.

MALLORY PADERICK - Interim Preschool Director (919-774-6224)

Mallory is serving as the interim Director of St. Luke Preschool. She is a Sanford native and has a BS from North Carolina State University in Marketing and Management. Mallory is an active member at St. Luke United Methodist Church and has served on the Preschool board for six years. She has a son and daughter.